A Parisian Affair

September 21, 2022
At the top of many a bucket list sits Paris, and it is no surprise that it has been drawing in admirers from all over the world for decades. As the birthplace of romance, art, fashion and music, the City of Lights has seen some of the most significant and influential events take place on its grounds throughout history, stealing the hearts of its visitors in a mere blink of an eye. Serving as a hub for vogue and haute couture, iconic gastronomy, fine art, and architectural treasures, it is a muse for the creatives, while the capital’s role in its country’s rich and long history is one to be admired. Paris is a coveted place, and it knows it!


Where to Stay: The Peninsula Paris

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Occupying Avenue Kléber No.19, this hotel’s location is, simply put, a Parisian dream. Sitting right at the beating heart of the city, The Peninsula Paris is but a breath away from the Arc de Triomphe, the buzzing Champs-Élysées and the Place de la Concorde. Haussmannian is the name of the game when it comes to its stunning interiors while its palatial elegance is a royal affair – think Rolls-Royce airport rides and 40,000-piece gold leaf lobby sculptures. Opulent, haute couture-inspired rooms and suites adorn its halls, all paying tribute to French heritage and finely polished finesse, while space and tailored comfort is a religion at the Peninsula Paris. Moving north towards the skyline, the L'Oiseau Blanc restaurant is dressed to impress with views to feast your eyes, dishes fit for their Michelin stars and a wine list curated by famed Sommelier, Florent Martin; don’t be surprised if you encounter some familiar faces of the city’s elite dining at the table next to you. As for lavish pampering after a long day of exploring, there is an underground oasis right beneath your feet. Extending over almost 20,000 square feet of pure bliss, the Peninsula Spa has its own philosophy – a ‘Life Lived Best’ – with private treatment rooms, VIP couples’ suites, a top-tier Fitness Centre, and of course, an indoor heated 65-feet swimming pool; it is the largest luxury hotel spa in Paris after all.
 
Expert Tips:
 
Stay: We recommend an ‘all-in’ experience. Opt for its heavenly private rooftop garden suites - they will make you feel like you are on top of the world, while its jaw-dropping views of the city is something you will remember for a lifetime.
 
Dine: For an all-time-classic romantic Parisian evening scene, "The Balcony Table" at the L'Oiseau Blanc is just what you need – a gorgeous terrace all to yourself with superb views of Paris’ emblematic monuments, and of course, an illuminated Eiffel Tower to keep you company.


What To See & Do:
 
All the Highlights

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Embark on a panoramic tour of the stunning city of Paris. The capital is packed with incredible monuments at every corner begging to be explored, and our expert TrueTrips guide will be with you every step of the way as you discover all the highlights. Starting off at the impressive Arc de Triomphe on the right bank of the Seine River, you will find yourself right at the intersection shaped by twelve avenues, honoring the people who fought for their homeland during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Take a moment and pause as you marvel at its remarkable structure and learn of its long history. Up next, the Champs-Élysées; one of the most gorgeous avenues in the entire world. Adorned with premium boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, and plenty of nightlife options, it is a ‘must’ Parisian destination for leisurely strolls to get to know this buzzing area. Now, on to the Left Bank, which is famous for its artistic inclination towards jazz music, and its long string of writers and philosophers, while it is regarded as the place where Paris ‘learned to think’. From there, you continue towards the Trocadéro, which will offer you inspiring views of the Tour Eiffel to take those insta-perfect pictures, and during your tour break, make sure to climb up for those panoramic vistas over the city. Finish off at the incredible Notre-Dame, the heart and soul of Paris and the most celebrated Gothic Cathedral of the Middle Ages; an architectural gem not to be missed!


The Louvre & Seine River Cruise

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Enjoy a tour of one of the largest palaces of the world – the magnificent Louvre. Once the glorified home of France’s kings, today the Louvre embodies French traditional architecture and hosts a marvelous selection of ancient and Western art. Separated in seven sections, the Louvre showcases brilliant works that date from the birth of great ancient civilizations all the way to the early 19th Century. Among its thousands of invaluable, widely acclaimed paintings, you will also find Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa. It is undeniably one of the most superb museums globally, and you will have the opportunity to walk through its stately halls as your seasoned TrueTrips guide uncovers fine French culture and Europe’s intriguing civilization. To top this splendid experience off, you will be escorted to the Seine River for an hour-long cruise where you will have the chance to relax and unwind while gazing at the cosmopolitan city of Paris from the water.


Montmartre and Orsay Museum

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Now, its time to discover the delightful neighborhood of Montmartre, a hill on the north side of the city famous for its white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica sitting right on its summit. Begin at the Butte Montmartre to discover the greatest 19th- and 20th- Century painting movements, from Impressionism to Cubism, and from Fauvism to Futurism and Surealism. During the mid-1800s, artists of the likes of Camille Pissarro and Johan Jongkind begun calling Montmartre their home, and by the end of the century, both Montmartre and nearby Montparnasse became the primary artistic center of Paris. Creative minds of the time also begun the introduction of artistic associations, such as the Incoherents and the Nabis, while it is no secret that famous artists took great inspiration from the area, including Vincent Van Gogh, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse and André Derain, just to name a few. While strolling through its charming streets, it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy lunch at the legendary Le Moulin de la Galette; once a 1622 windmill which was later transformed into a popular dance hall and even painted by Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec. If the weather is right, make sure to go for the restaurant’s lovely terrace. Conclude your experience with a visit to the Orsay Museum, formerly Paris’ very first train station to operate with electric power that made its entrance in 1900 and from 1977 onwards it has been serving as a museum devoted to exhibiting artistic pieces from 1848 to 1914. It is the perfect place to gain an insightful exposure to the leading Impressionist painters, from Van Gogh and Renoir to Pissarro and Manet.


Versailles and its Gardens; Walk where Kings & Queens walked

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There’s no visiting France without a day trip to Versailles, and that’s non-negotiable! Begin your journey to the outskirts of Paris and explore the renowned Château de Versailles and the King’s State Apartments. Stroll through the glistening Hall of Mirrors, which served as a council room for Louis XIV, and walk through the palace’s magnificent gardens created by one of the greatest landscape artists at the time. Once populated by hundreds when the King was in residence, the palace is filled with tasteful private rooms and public reception halls enveloped by a verdant park with hidden gardens, exquisite fountains, and a charming lake. Witness an unimaginable sense of elegance and grandeur as you walk through the grounds that used to host Kings and Queens and imagine a life that once was. A masterpiece of graceful sophistication, beauty, and taste whose atmosphere can travel you back in time to the reign of Queen Marie-Antoinette and Louis XIV.